Benzino

Known as one of the founding fathers of The Source Magazine, dubbed the Hip Hop Bible, Benzino's impact on the urban music industry surpasses many entrepreneurs in the genre. Born Raymond E. Scott on July 18, 1965, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, he grew up amidst challenging surroundings, influenced by the grittier parts of Boston. Forming the hip hop group The Almighty RSO in the late 1980s, Scott, also known as Ray Dog, brought together diverse talents from different areas of Boston. Their pioneering sound, including the release of "We're Notorious" in 1988, marked them as early contributors to Gangsta Rap. Scott's trajectory intersected with David Mays, a Harvard student with a passion for urban culture. Mays, starting a radio show to celebrate urban artists, invited The Almighty RSO to gain traction for the group. This partnership blossomed, with Mays initiating a newsletter focused on urban music happenings. Signing with Tommy Boy Records in 1991, The Almighty RSO released "Revenge of Da Badd Boyz" in 1994, reaching the top 100 of the R&B/Hip Hop Charts. However, controversy erupted with "One In The Chamba," leading to accusations from the Boston Police Patrolman's Association and ultimately the group's release from their recording contract under federal pressure.